Assessment of Construction Errors in Reinforced Concrete Beams

This research investigated using the finite element method the effects of construction errors in reinforced concrete beams. This was borne out of the need to investigate one of the many factors responsible for the failure of structures. The variable is the arrangement of tensile steel reinforcements and transverse shear links. Beam models in each series with the original design intent served as the control and are compared with two others each with a typical construction error in either tensile steel reinforcement or transverse shear links. Beam models are designed in accordance to Eurocode2 to fail either in shear or flexure. Analysis and discussion of results based on the ultimate loads sustained and load-displacement relationship are made. Results from simulated beam models indicate that a reduction in the effective depth of a beam model from 112mm to 105mm in the flexural series led to a 13.8% decrease in strength. In the shear series, the incorrect spacing of the entire transverse shear link at 150mmc/c against 130mmc/c used in the control model led to a 23% increase in strength. It is suggested that a high level of quality assurance be maintained during the construction process to limit the occurrence and effects of construction errors.